Car Idling On the Environment

Car idling typically occurs when a vehicle stopped in traffic or at a red light.

While car idling cannot be completely avoided, it is important for us to know as drivers that an

idling engine emits more hydrocarbons into the atmosphere than occurs when a vehicle is

traveling down the highway at 60 MPH.

The Negative Effects of Car idling

• Air Pollution - Any Idling vehicle ads pollutants to the atmosphere.

• These harmful pollutants include nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, organic

compounds, and particulate matter.

• We might not see them, but they are added to the

environment.

• This dirty air affects us all.

• Human illnesses such as cancer, asthma, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disease, and heart disease, can all be

connected to the air we breathe.

• Global Warming - The emission of these airborne pollutants contribute to the global

warming.

As these greenhouse gases continue to build, the result will be more extreme weather,

melting glaciers and an increase in sea levels.

• Higher Fuel Consumption - Unnecessary idling leads to unnecessary fuel

consumption.

• This is bad not only for the environment, but also for our pocketbooks.

• When it is possible, turning off your engine is a better option vehicle will be a

better option for both reasons/

How to Reduce Car Idling

Reducing the amount of time that our

vehicle engine's idle helps all of us in multiple ways.

Here are some steps that we all can take to help to minimize the degree of car idling:

Personally pledge to do your part in reducing the amount of time your car idles.

Mention this personal pledge to others and maybe you can have a positive impact on

them as well .

When you are driving, stop your engine whenever it is logical for you to do so.

Instead of leaving your car idling while you wait for a passenger to go into a

convenience store to get a snack, turn off your engine and roll down the window to

allow fresh air to enter your vehicle.

If you are going to go the Wendy's to get a hamburger, consider not using the drive

through if there is a line and instead parking your car and going inside for service.

Chances are that you will get served faster as well.

Use your remote vehicle starting function only on an as needed basis, for example, if it is minus five degrees outside and you want to let the engine

and passenger compartment warm up a bit before you leave your dwelling.

Consider buying a hybrid vehicle.

These vehicles are designed to that the gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is at

a red light, thus eliminating unnecessary idling time.

By each of us doing what we can to reduce car idling, we can collectively make a positive

difference both for the sake of the environment, as well as our own.